After pitching his 27th start on Aug. 19 and increasing his player option to $10 million, A.J. Burnett began mulling retirement.

He wavered on the decision to pitch next season as the year continued, struggling on the mound while dealing with an inguinal hernia he suffered April 14.

Now it seems Burnett will pitch in 2015 — it just won't be in a Phillies uniform.

On Friday, Burnett and the Phillies opted out of a $15 million mutual option the 37-year-old had for 2015 but he still had a decision to make. The right-hander had until 11:59 p.m. Monday to trigger a $12.75 player option in his contract after making at least 32 starts in 2014.

Monday evening, the Phillies announced that Burnett declined his player option and elected for free agency. Burnett's agent, Darek Braunecker, said, "We do expect that he will pitch in '15. For a contender," according to FoxSports.com's Ken Rosenthal.

Burnett went 8-18 with a 4.59 ERA in 2014, leading the majors in losses, walks (96), earned runs (109) and games started (34).

As unsettled as the Phillies' rotation is for next season, Burnett's decision is still good news for Philadelphia. Burnett's player option was quite expensive, especially considering the results he posted.

The move frees up money the Phillies could set aside and use in a bidding war that may ensue with international free agent Yasmany Tomas. Philadelphia is expected to be a front-runner for the Cuban outfielder, who would be one building block in an attempt to make the long trek back to the top the of the National League East. The Phillies also could use that money for starting pitching.

With Burnett not returning, Philadelphia has Cole Hamels and Cliff Lee — assuming he's healthy — at the top of the rotation and a recently re-signed Jerome Williams for the back end. David Buchanan is under team control and will likely earn a spot as well, leaving the Phillies with one more hole to fill. The team's 2014 first-round draft pick, Aaron Nola ,is one possibility, but he may not be ready until later in the season. Philadelphia, however, could also use another starter or two for depth in case of injuries.

Adams also a free agent: The Phillies announced last week that they declined their $6 million club option on right-handed reliever Mike Adams for 2015.

The 36-year-old appeared in just 50 games over two injury-filled seasons with the Phillies while earning a total of $12 million. Adams threw in just 22 games in 2014 after starting the season recovering from shoulder surgery he had the previous season. His year ended June 7 when he was placed on the disabled list with right rotator cuff inflammation.

Utley golden?: The 2014 Gold Glove winners are to be announced at 7 p.m. Tuesdayon ESPN2 and the Phillies have one player in the running.

Chase Utley is one of three National League finalists at second base, joining Colorado's DJ LeMahieu and Cincinnati's Brandon Phillips.

Utley's .985 fielding percentage — he had 11 errors in 726 defensive chances — was fifth among qualified second basemen in the National League.